NBA Rumors: Pau Gasol leaving the Chicago Bulls in free agency, which contender is best fit for Spanish C?

The Chicago Bulls are in turmoil this season and the first to go in the upcoming offseason could be Pau Gasol, who is reportedly “not part of the core” in the Bulls future, according to the latest NBA rumors.

K.C. Johnson, beat writer for the Bulls for The Chicago Tribune, stated that the the Bulls have now changed their stance on Gasol’s future with the team. Previously, the Chicago management insisted that the Spanish center is part of the team’s future plans but that has changed after the team struggled in the latter part of the 2015-2016 NBA Season.

“Sources said the Bulls are softening on the public stance general manager Gar Forman issued at the trade deadline that Gasol “is part of the core,” not to mention Gasol is open-minded to entertaining rival offers,” Johnson wrote in his article.

The 35-year-old Gasol is still very effective, even at his age, for the Bulls this season averaging 16.5 points, 11.0 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 2.0 blocked shots per game. Gasol is still a very good big man and his availability will open NBA rumors as other teams are expected to show interest in the 14-year veteran.

Gasol, who also played for the Memphis Grizzlies and Los Angeles Lakers in the early part of his NBA career, signed a three-year deal worth $22.34 million with the Bulls in 2014 but has a player option for the third year, which means he can opt out to move to another NBA squad this upcoming offseason.

The Bulls currently have 38 wins against 37 losses as of Friday and are out of the playoff picture in ninth place in the Eastern Conference. They are just one game behind the Indiana Pacers in the team standings and can still make the playoffs this season.

However, if the Bulls fail to make the postseason, expect the team to consider letting Gasol go in free agency as they look to rebuild for the future. Expect as well of NBA rumors of Gasol joining the top title contenders for next season.